Seventh Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival kicks off in Dak Lak

The seventh Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival opened in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak on March 9 under the theme The Quintessence of Jungle.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Truong Hoa Binh said with famous brand and geographical indication, Buon Ma Thuot coffee has been sold across over 60 countries and territories worldwide, contributing significantly to the country's total coffee export, which hit nearly 1.9 million tons worth over USD 3.5 billion in 2018.

He suggested the province encourage and attract private investment in coffee re-cultivation besides increasing the application of science and high technology to boost productivity and quality, reduce production costs and adapt to climate change.

The locality should focus investment on deep processing industry and post-harvest preservation, he advised.

To reach the goal of turning Dak Lak into a world's coffee destination, the official asked the province to expand markets and strengthen connectivity with friends around the world to draw more coffee lovers, experts, and manufacturers.

With a coffee area of over 200,000 hectares and an annual output of over 460,000 tonnes, Dak Lak is dubbed as the coffee capital of Vietnam.

The biennial festival aims to increase the value and position of Vietnamese coffee brand in the global market as well as honor coffee growers, processors and businesspeople.

An investment promotion conference will be held as part of the event to present cooperation opportunities in the province.

The Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association on March 9 held an award ceremony to recognise 25 special coffee samples.